Sri Lanka Bans Imports of HCFC-Based Air Conditioners and Refrigerators

Sri Lanka Bans Imports of HCFC-Based Air Conditioners and Refrigerators

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has introduced a ban on the import of air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and ice plants that operate exclusively on hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, effective from 6 June 2026. The announcement was made in Parliament by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera during discussions on several legislative measures. The import restrictions form part of the country's commitment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Under the new regulations, compressors designed exclusively for HCFC refrigerants will continue to be permitted for import until 1 January 2028. Importers must provide official documentation, including manufacturer-certified refrigerant information, to verify the refrigerant used in imported appliances. Products imported in violation of the ban will be subject to forfeiture by Sri Lanka Customs. The measure supports Sri Lanka's objective of phasing out HCFCs by 2030 in line with its international commitments.

Source: Blue Ocean, Sri Lanka